What is the difference between defraud and swindle?

Definitions

defraud

- Referring to the act of deceiving someone in order to obtain money or property.

- Talking about a fraudulent scheme or scam that involves tricking someone out of their assets.

- Describing an illegal or dishonest act that involves cheating or stealing from someone.

swindle

- Referring to the act of cheating or tricking someone out of their money or property.

- Talking about a fraudulent or deceitful scheme that involves taking advantage of someone's trust.

- Describing an illegal or dishonest act that involves stealing or embezzling someone's assets.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve deception and dishonesty.
• 2. Both are illegal and unethical.
• 3. Both result in financial loss for the victim.
• 4. Both are forms of fraud.
• 5. Both can be intentional or unintentional.

What is the difference?

• 1. Scope: Defraud is a broader term that covers a wider range of fraudulent activities, while swindle is more specific and often refers to a particular type of scam.
• 2. Method: Defraud often involves misrepresenting facts or withholding information, while swindle often involves gaining someone's trust and then betraying it.
• 3. Severity: Defraud is often considered a more serious offense than swindle and can result in harsher legal consequences.
• 4. Victim: Defraud can involve any type of victim, while swindle often targets vulnerable or trusting individuals.
• 5. Connotation: Defraud is a more formal term and is often used in legal or official contexts, while swindle has a more informal connotation and is often used in everyday language.

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Remember this!

Defraud and swindle are both synonyms that refer to fraudulent activities that involve deceiving someone in order to obtain money or property. However, defraud is a broader term that covers a wider range of fraudulent activities, while swindle is more specific and often refers to a particular type of scam that involves gaining someone's trust and then betraying it. Additionally, defraud is often considered a more serious offense than swindle and can result in harsher legal consequences.